Conservative leader steps aside

Saturday

Feb 28, 2009 at 12:01 AMFeb 28, 2009 at 12:46 PM

DENVER -- Conservative evangelical leader James Dobson has resigned as chairman of Focus on the Family but will continue to play a prominent role at the organization he founded more than three decades ago.

DENVER -- Conservative evangelical leader James Dobson has resigned as chairman of Focus on the Family but will continue to play a prominent role at the organization he founded more than three decades ago.

Dobson notified the board of his decision Wednesday, and the 950 employees of the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based ministry were informed yesterday morning at a weekly worship service, said Jim Daly, the group's president and chief executive officer.

Dobson, 72, will continue to host Focus on the Family's flagship radio program, write a monthly newsletter and speak out on moral issues, Daly said.

"One of the common errors of founder-presidents is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority," Dobson said in a statement. "Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do."

While Focus on the Family emphasizes that it devotes most of its resources to offering parenting and marriage advice, it is best known for promoting conservative moral stands in politics. Dobson, a child psychologist, endorsed Republican John McCain last year after initially saying he would not, and sharply criticized Barack Obama.

The new board chairman is retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Patrick P. Caruana.

"I don't see any dramatic departure from what Focus stands for," Caruana said.

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